Things to do in the garden in June

Here are tasks to tackle and things to be concerned with in the garden this month:

IN THE EDIBLE GARDEN

It is strawberry picking time. For a listing of area strawberry farms, call 773-768-7779, or see "Strawberries and More" at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/strawberries.

Water the vegetable garden with the equivalent of 1 inch of water per week to promote deep root development. This will help the vegetables tolerate dry periods.

Watch for blossom end rot on tomatoes. It starts as a water-soaked spot on the bottom of the tomato. It will turn black. Blossom end rot often appears when first fruit are ripening. It is caused by a calcium deficiency in the plant as a result of wide fluctuations in soil moisture. Peppers and eggplant also can be affected. Remove the affected fruits, maintain even soil moisture (1 inch per week) and use mulches to help reduce the problem.

Keep buckwheat seed handy. Buckwheat can be used as a cover crop to improve soil structure. Sprinkle the seed on bare spots in the garden as crops are harvested. The buckwheat will germinate quickly and smother weeds. Keep the flowers cut, so it doesn't reseed. When you're ready to plant the spot, turn the buckwheat under.

IN THE ORNAMENTAL GARDEN

Watch for sudden oak death. Phytophthora ramorum is a pathogen devastating trees in the oak family. Symptoms include leaves suddenly turning brown and cankers that ooze a dark red material. This disease can infect other plants such as rhododendron, viburnum, Douglas fir, huckleberry and lilac. The disease, which has not been found in Illinois, has spread from California to other states. For a fact sheet, call 773-768-7779 or see Pest Alert -- Sudden Oak Death at www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/pest(undersco re)al/sodeast/sodeast.htm.

Fertilize containers with a time-release fertilizer. This fertilizer, which looks like small beads, releases nutrients at each watering. One application will last through a growing season.

Water newly planted trees. Water regularly for two to three years until the tree's root system is established. Place a hose at the base of the tree at a slow trickle.

Do not use pruning sealants to seal pruning cuts. Research has shown that sealants do not prevent decay or speed the healing process.

Mulch around trees and shrubs to preserve moisture. Mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep. The mulch should not touch the trunk.

Mow with care. Each year thousands are injured while mowing the lawn. Keep these tips in mind:

- Be sure the mower is in good working condition.

- Walk the lawn before each mowing checking for any rocks, sticks or other hazards.

- Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. No flip-flops.

- Do not cut the lawn when wet. Wet grass will clog the discharge shoot, jamming the blades.

- Never reach into the discharge chute to remove grass while the mower is running.

- Refuel the mower only when the engine has cooled off.

- Disconnect the spark plug when servicing the mower.

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Ronald C. Wolford is an extension educator in urban gardening for the University of Illinois Extension. To obtain the extension's fact sheets, call 773-768-7779 or see the Web site, www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hort.